American skier Lindsey Vonn has had surgery on a left-leg fracture after suffering heartbreak in what could be her final Olympic event as she crashed in the women's downhill competition in Cortina.
The 41-year-old was competing just nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate with her ski pole on a first jump left Vonn off balance, denying a fairytale ending to a remarkable story.
Vonn was airlifted off the piste to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, around 130km from Olimpia delle Tofane in the Dolomites, following lengthy treatment. The hospital issued a statement which said she had orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture she sustained in her left leg - the same leg with the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Earlier, a statement from the United States ski team said Vonn had sustained an injury but was in a stable condition.
The two-time world champion had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic course prior to Sunday's crash. Compatriot Breezy Johnson was in tears as she added Olympic gold to the world title she won last year after clocking a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds.
The crash unveiled a wave of emotions among the skiing community, especially as Vonn’s resilience and challenges are a testament to the sport's harsh realities. Another American, Isabella Wright, who had hoped for Vonn to complete the race despite her prior injury, shared her heartbreak over Vonn’s situation.
Vonn had risked competing so soon after her ACL injury aiming to chase her Olympic dreams one last time. As she was airlifted to the hospital, spectators applauded her legacy of 12 World Cup wins on this particular course, while uncertainty looms over her competitive future.
Despite the crash, the spirit shown by Vonn echoes her career filled with determination and grit, leaving fans and fellow athletes hopeful for her recovery and potential return to the slopes.
